Latin American Studies

Latin American Studies Goals and Objectives 1.

Graduates of the program will have a general knowledge of Latin American history, geography, ecological, political and economic systems, social organization, cultural characteristics, and achievements in literature and the arts.  Students can describe key elements of two or more of these domains (geography, environment, politics, economics, social and cultural systems and/or literature and arts) with broad regional and temporal scope.

2.

Graduates will be able to read, write, understand and speak (at least at a basic level) a second language (Spanish).  Students can read basic text in Spanish and respond orally or in writing to questions derived from that text. 

3.

Graduates will be able to integrate content and ideas from different disciplines.  Students read texts from two or more disciplines and summarize, compare and synthesize the material in a coherent written essay.

4.

Graduates will have the ability to communicate effectively about the society and culture (past and present) of the region.  Students can write a coherent essay on two or more of the domains mentioned in Goal 1 and/or make an effective oral presentation of this material.

5.

Graduates will understand the cultural diversity and complexity of the region.  Students can describe, contrast and summarize patterns of cultural diversity in at least two regions of Latin America.

6.

Graduates will have an understanding of current events in the region.  Students can describe, give examples and summarize current social and political issues in at least two regions of Latin America.  Graduates will appreciate the richness of the cultural heritage of the region.  Students can identify, describe and appraise cultural practices and products from Latin America.

7.

8.

Graduates will demonstrate an appreciation for the magnitude of world changes initiated through the forces of globalization  Students can identify, discuss and analyze the impacts of globalization on the economies and societies of Latin America.

9.

Graduates will have the ability to view the world from more than one perspective–in particular from one or more Latin American perspective(s), as well as from their own culture (presumably based in the US).

 Students can write an essay or make an oral presentation that recognizes and compares differing world views and explains their social significance for the people of Latin America. 10.

Graduates will be able to recognize cultural differences without a judgmental attitude.  Students can identify and describe the cultural products or performances of differing cultural groups in Latin America and explain the benefits of pluralism to world society and culture.